The Wrangler (als- known as the YJ, TJ, and JK, as explained below) is an off-road vehicle produced by American automaker Chrysler under its Jeep marque. It is a successor t- the famous World War II 'Jeep' vehicle by way of the Willys civilian Jeep (CJ) in the 1950s, later produced by Kaiser-Jeep and by American Motors (AMC). The Wrangler debuted in 1987, was updated in 1997 and again in 2007, and is still popular today.

From 1987 until 1992 the Wrangler/YJ was built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It was then built in the Toled- South Assembly plant until mid-2006, after which the plant was slowly torn down. The Wrangler is currently produced at Jeep's Toled- North Assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio.

The Wrangler name was not used in Canada, as it was a trim level of Chevrolet pickup in that market. Instead, 1987 t- 1995 models were sold as YJ, and 1997 t- 2006 models were sold as TJ. The model designations of YJ and TJ are used throughout the world in the Jeep enthusiast community t- differentiate which model is being spoken of instead of using the more ambiguous term "Wrangler".
Contents

The Jeep YJ, sold as the Wrangler, replaced the much-loved but slower-selling Jeep CJ in 1987 and was built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada until the plant closed on April 23, 1992. It was a new design with a wider wheelbase, slightly less ground clearance, a galvanized body and more comfort. The YJ als- had a leaf spring suspension similar t- that of the CJ, however, the springs were wider, and the YJs sported trackbars and swaybars for added handling. YJs are easily identifiable by their rectangular headlights, which were a source of controversy when introduced. Despite the new grill, the body is very similar t- the CJ7's, and it is interchangeable with some minor modifications. Many CJ7 owners with a rusted body replace them with a newer YJ body, they are almost cosmetically identical and the lines from the nose match up perfectly. 632,231 YJs were built through model year 1995, though YJs were still produced int- mid '96 bringing the total production number t- 685,071 units.

The roll cage was extended in 1992 t- allow for rear shoulder belts, and anti-lock brakes were added as an option the next year. An automatic transmission option for 4-cylinder Wranglers came in 1994 along with a center high-mounted stop light.

In 1994, the slave cylinder on manual transmissions was moved outside of the transmission's bellhousing t- allow for easier replacement, and in 1995 larger U-joints were used.

YJ Wrangler Renegade

From 1991 until 1994, Jeep produced an options package on the YJ Wrangler listed as the "Renegade Decor Group". Initially, all Renegades were White, Black or Red. In 1992, Blue was added, in 1993, Bronze. The Renegade Decor Group was a $4,266.00 option over a base Wrangler in 1991 and included special alloy wheels, exclusive body flares, along with many other features.

Additionally, hardtops received a mandatory rear window defroster at a $164.00 premium. Hardtops themselves were a $923.00 option.

All Renegades typically had the Tilt Steering wheel ($130.00) and an AM/FM/Cassette Stere- Radi- ($264.00).

A column shift automatic was als- an available option (this option was rare).

While a base Wrangler with the inline 6 went for $12,356.00, the Renegade package pushed that price up t- $18,588.00 in 1991. Dealer mark-up moved the price t- $19,273.00.

These vehicles were sent as optioned Wranglers t- Aut- Style Cars in Detroit, where the Renegade Decor Package was installed, then shipped back t- Jeep for delivery t- dealers. Renegades all have a small sticker on the driver's side door, right above the latch denoting the visit t- ASC.

At the price premium over a standard Wrangler, sales were fairly limited, s- finding one today is a semi-rare occurrence. The price, plus what hardcore Jeepers felt were "funny looking plastic fenders" limited the sales. Although having nearly identical off-road capabilities, these Jeep were typically used as "beach cruisers" because of both their price and rarity, as well as the fact that their over sized flares and body cladding were not designed for the abuse that tree branches and over sized tires can deal out.

Trims

North American YJ/Wrangler were available in the following standard trims.

* Base (als- referred t- as "S" & "SE" at different points in the model run; first few years the back seat and rear bumperettes were optional, some years the 6cyl engine was an option, other years only the 4cyl was available in the "Base" model)
* Lared- (Chrome grille, bumpers, and trim, hard top and hard full doors, tinted windows, faux leather interior, body color fender flares and alloy wheels)
* Islander (which included "Sunset" Islander graphics and body colored wheel flares)
* Sport (which featured "sport" graphics and, beginning in 1991, a 4.0 L 242 CID inline-6 cylinder engine)
* Sahara (which came standard with most available options, including body color fender flares and alloy wheels)
* Renegade (which ran until 1994, and featured a similar option package as Sahara, but added premium wheels, deluxe interior group as well as oversized "Renegade" wheel flares and body cladding)
* Ri- Grande (Available in champagne gold, moss green and white, with a Puebl- themed interior trim package, this trim was only available in 1995 and was added t- spice up the base model Wrangler 'S' hence this trim was only available with the 4-cylinder models)

The YJ gave way t- the TJ for the 1997 model year (note that there was n- 1996 model year; the 1997 TJ was released in Spring 1996). This updated Wrangler featured a coil-spring suspension (based on that of the Jeep Grand Cherokee) for better ride and handling, and a return t- the CJ's iconic round headlamps. The engine is the same 4.0 L AMC 242 Straight-6 used in the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. A 2.5 L AMC 150 Inline-4 motor was available on entry-level models until 2003 when the 2.4 L DOHC Neon 4-cylinder engine replaced it.

A right hand drive version of the TJ was available for export markets, and was als- offered for sale t- US rural route postal carriers. The version offered t- US postal carriers was only available with an automatic transmission.

Other changes included the 1999 additions of a larger standard fuel tank, child seat tethers and sound system improvements in 2000, and a new console, steering wheel, and a revised dashboard for 2001. 2002 saw other minor changes including new colors, along with available wheel styles.

A limited run of 1,001 Wrangler Rubicon "Tomb Raider" models were produced in 2003 t- promote the Tomb Raider sequel, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. Along with the standard Rubicon fare, it als- included exterior features such as 16 inch Alcoa forged aluminum wheels, Tomb Raider badging, and Mopar accessories including a light bar, riveted fender flares, tubular grille guard, diamond-plated bumper guard, etc. Interior features included Dark Slate fabric seats with red accent stitching down the center, silver surround instrument panel bezel, red seatbelts and a Tomb Raider badge with serial number. T- match the vehicle in the film, it was offered in Bright Silver.

In 2004, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited with a 10 inch (~25.4 cm) longer wheelbase (LWB), a Dana 44 rear axle with a 3:73 gear rati- and the Command-Trac 231 transfer case; this model is als- known by its unofficial designation of LJ. In 2005, Jeep released the Rubicon Unlimited, which has the wheelbase of the Unlimited and the off-road features of the Rubicon such as front and rear Dana 44 axles with locking differentials, diamond plate rocker guards, an NVG241OR transfer case with a 4.0:1 low range, 245/75R16 Goodyear MT/R tires, a six-speed manual transmission and other comfort and convenience options not offered on other Wranglers.
Trims

* Base - als- referred t- as "SE"
* X (available after 2002, it was the equivalent t- earlier standard optioned 'Sport' models
* Sport - which came standard with the 4.0-liter (242 CID) inline-six-cylinder engine
* Sahara - the premium model until 2005, which came standard with most available options, including the 4.0-liter engine, alloy wheels, fog lights and the premium interior group
* Rubicon - beginning in 2003, the premium "off-road" model, which came standard with most of the available off-road options and included the "Rubicon appearance package", which included alloys, fog lights, and lower bodyside "diamond" plating. Rubicon models als- received front and rear air lockers, Dana 44 centre differentials front and rear, as well as a 4:1 transfer case with fixed rear output dubbed the NV241OR.
* Unlimited - beginning in 2004, Unlimited offered more interior room (increased legroom for rear passengers, and improved storage space behind the rear seat), greater towing capacity, 3,500 pounds (1600 kg), and was available in a standard or Rubicon trim. A 4.0 L and alloys were standard on all models. On soft tops, the "Sunrider" flip-back sunroof feature is standard as well.

The 2007 model year brought the complete redesign of the Jeep Wrangler, in both tw- and four-door models. The TJ platform was replaced by a new JK platform. This next-generation Wrangler was significantly larger than the existing model, with a 2 inch (50.8 mm) longer wheelbase and 3.4 inch (86.4 mm) wider track, though the tw- door model is actually 2.5 inches shorter in the overall length than the TJ, allowing for better approach and departure angles. With a larger available standard tire size of 32 in, breakover angle is unchanged.

Some Wrangler enthusiasts decried this new vehicle's larger size, claiming that it runs counter t- the character of the Wrangler, and is to- big t- be an effective off-road vehicle. Similar complaints were expressed during previous redesigns. Jeep reportedly sought t- cement the Wrangler's position as the marque's most-rugged vehicle as new car-based crossover SUVs took some of Jeep's on-road market share.

JK was introduced at the 2006 North American International Aut- Show with past Chrysler group CE- Tom LaSorda driving one up some steps and through a plate glass window, just as Robert Lutz had done at the show in 1992 with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The JK was first available for purchase with the 2007 model year.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited hard top
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited hard top

The Wrangler X is available with factory installed right-hand drive. This model is targeted at mail carriers wh- need a vehicle that allows them t- get out of their vehicle without the risk of getting hit by traffic. For the 2007 and 2008 model years, the short-wheelbase Wrangler was the right-hand drive Jeep. For the 2009 model year, the right-hand drive Wrangler will be replaced by the right-hand drive Wrangler Unlimited.

A 3.8 L EGH V6 with a displacement of 230.5 cubic inches (3778 cc), producing 205 hp (153 kW) and 240 ft，lbf (325 N，m) is the base engine, replacing the venerable AMC 242 straight-6. The 2.8 L VM Motori turbodiesel straight-4 used in the Liberty is offered as options outside of U.S, as it does not satisfy U.S. emission control standards for 2007.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic transmission offered as an option. The lower tw- levels have the Jeep Command-Trac NV241 part-time two-speed transfer case with an optional Trac-Loc limited-slip differential, while the Rubicon uses a Rock-Trac version of the NV241 with a 4:1 low range. Electronic locking front- and rear-axles called Tru-loc are als- standard on Rubicon models.(rear locker optional on X models)

Stability control is a new safety feature for the JK Wrangler. All versions offer off-road tuned Anti-lock braking system and traction control system with electronic limited slip differential. Standard on the Rubicon trim is a new electronic sway bar disconnect system.

The JK runs almost all vehicle functions other than steering under computer software control. Engine, transmission, and t- some extent braking are computer controlled, as are lights and auxiliary systems. This is a first for the Wrangler. As of mid-2007, there have been three safety recalls for software fixes.

A Sunrider convertible soft top is standard equipment. Als- available on the JK model is an optional 3-piece modular hardtop. Although the doors can still be removed in traditional Wrangler fashion, power windows and remote power door locks will be offered for the first time in a Wrangler. Another first is an available navigation system. This is the first generation of the Jeep Wrangler t- have a change in the tail lamps.

The JK series 2007 Wrangler Unlimited was unveiled at the New York Aut- Show on April 12, 2006. It is stretched even more than the TJ model, with four doors and 20.6 inches (523 mm) added t- the JK Wrangler's 95.4 inch (2423 mm) wheelbase. It is priced near $21,000.

Unlimited has the same engine and transmission choices as a short-wheelbase JK. X and Sahara trims offer an option of 2x4 rear wheel drive. It is the only four door convertible available in the U.S., since the Hummer H1 with optional rag-top is n- longer sold as a civilian vehicle.

The Unlimited offers more options and equipment than any previous Wrangler model, including standard electronic stability program and optional seat-mounted side airbags, remote keyless entry, navigation system, and Sirius satellite radio. The navigation and satellite systems are a part of the MyGig Entertainment system that als- has a hard drive allowing for the storage of MP3 music files and pictures.

On September 13, 2007, at the Defence Systems & Equipment International trade show, Chrysler LLC unveiled a Wrangler Unlimited version designed for military use dubbed the J8. The unarmored Jeep J8 is equipped with larger brakes, axles and suspension components than the civilian version and has a payload capacity of 1,339 kg (2,952 lb). The J8 als- differs from the civilian model by utilizing heavy-duty rear leaf springs for carrying heavier payloads. The Jeep J8 is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 118 kW (158 hp) and 400 N，m (295 lbf，ft) of torque, providing towing capability of up t- 3,500 kg (7,700 lb). The engine is mated t- a five-speed automatic transmission. The J8 als- features a unique air-intake system with special filtration and a hood-mounted snorkel that enables the J8 t- wade in water up t- 762 mm (30 in) deep and tackle sandstorm conditions for up t- five hours. Available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for personnel or equipment transport, or a four-door multipurpose vehicle, it may be produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in either right-hand- or left-hand-drive. Targeted for use by the militaries in overseas markets, the J8 is not available in the United States because it will not meet U.S. emissions requirements. The J8 will be produced in Egypt.

The Jeep Wrangler received the "Models t- Best Hold Its Value" recognition by Kelley Blue Book in 1998, 1999, and 2003.

The 2008 edition of Forbes Autos lists the four-wheel-drive convertible Jeep Wrangler at number four among the top ten vehicles with the highest resale value.]

2010 Electric Wrangler

In September 2008, Chrysler Vice Chairman Tom LaSorda unveiled a range-extended electric 4-door Wrangler along with similarly engineered Town and Country minivan and a purely electric sports car. The Wrangler would have a 40-mile (64 km) range before a gas starts and begins supplying additional electricity.